Skip to main content

VetGDP: Information for vets rejoining the register

If you're a vet rejoining the UK Register after a break of five years or more, you may be required to take part in the VetGDP. Even if your break was shorter, you’re still welcome to enrol if you feel the additional support would help ease your return to practice.

This page is for:

  • Vets rejoining the UK Register after a break of 5+ years.

If you've been off the register for less than five years, you are not required to enrol in the VetGDP. However, you may choose to participate if you feel it would support your return to practice. 

How the VetGDP will benefit you

The VetGDP provides regular, one-to-one support from a trained VetGDP Adviser - an experienced peer who will guide you through the process. Their support will help you refresh and update your professional and clinical capabilities, enabling you to adapt confidently to your new role. 

Exemptions

All vets who have been off the register of five years or more are required to enrol in the VetGDP upon returning. However, you may be eligible for exemption - for example, if you have been practising overseas during your time away from the register.

Check VetGDP exemption criteria.

Video: Information for vets returning to work after 5+ years

This short animation outlines what vets returning to the UK Register after five or more years need to know about the VetGDP. Beneath it, you’ll find a step-by-step checklist to help you get started.

Checklist for vets returning to the Register after 5+ years

  1. As a vet returning to the UK Register after a break of five or more years, you are required to enrol in the VetGDP. The programme offers tailored, workplace-based support to enhance and refresh your professional and clinical capabilities.
  2. If you’ve been working as a vet abroad, you may qualify for exemption.
  3. If you’ve been off the register for less than five years, you’re not required to complete the VetGDP - but you may choose to do so if you feel it would be beneficial to your professional development.
  4. Your employer must be VetGDP approved before you can start your job. This means the required declarations have been submitted and there is at least one trained VetGDP Adviser on the staff. Look for the VetGDP logo, and if you don't see it, don't hesitate to ask.
  5. You cannot take up a new position until your employer is VetGDP-approved.
  6. When you accept a position, please email [email protected] to inform us of your start date and to request the creation of your VetGDP e-portfolio.
  7. You and your VetGDP Adviser will agree the Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs) relevant to your role.
  8. You will meet regularly with your VetGDP Adviser throughout the programme. You are responsible for taking the lead in the process, proactively seeking the support you need - whether that's refreshing your skills or updating your knowledge.
  9. Once you and your VetGDP Adviser have agreed on your EPAs, you need to add them to your e-portfolio. For more details, please refer to the e-portfolio user guide.
  10. You will record your progress in your e-portfolio, documenting your progression from the early weeks through to increased experience and independence. Your VetGDP Adviser will also provide feedback within your e-portfolio.
  11. To complete the VetGDP, you must demonstrate that you can confidently and independently perform all activities relevant to your role. You and your VetGDP Adviser will agree on the right time to submit your e-portfolio to the RCVS for peer review and approval.
  12. You have up to 18 months to complete the programme, but you may complete it earlier depending on the support you require. If you require more time, please email [email protected] to discuss your options.
  13. If you have any queries, please contact the VetGDP team at [email protected].

Related Content